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then I can always withdraw again.
- I'm in no way bound; it's a simple matter-;
- the whole thing is private, so to speak;
- I can go as I came; there's my horse ready saddled;
- I am master, in short, of the situation.
ANITRA [approaching from the tent-door].
- Prophet and Master!
PEER
- What would my slave?
ANITRA
- The sons of the desert await at thy tent-door;
- they pray for the light of thy countenance-
PEER
- Stop!
- Say in the distance I'd have them assemble;
- say from the distance I hear all their prayers.
- Add that I suffer no menfolk in here!
- Men, my child, are a worthless crew,-
- inveterate rascals you well may call them!
- Anitra, you can't think how shamelessly
- they have swind-I mean they have sinned, my child!-
- Well, enough now of that; you may dance for me, damsels!
- The Prophet would banish the memories that gall him.
THE GIRLS [dancing].
- The Prophet is good! The Prophet is grieving
- for the ill that the sons of the dust have wrough
